French agribusiness group Malteurop acquires malting plant in China

French company Malteurop, part of the agri-food cooperative group Vivescia, has acquired Chunlei Malting Co.’s malting plant near Yancheng in Jiangsu Province, China. The deal was completed in summer 2026, and the site’s official opening following the acquisition was marked on October 23. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The plant has an annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes of malt, enough to produce 2 billion litres of beer. The acquisition will allow Malteurop to expand its presence in the Chinese market and strengthen its position in export markets.

“This project demonstrates the ability of a leading French company in malting barley and malt production to establish a long-term presence in China’s industrial ecosystem while promoting French agricultural expertise,” said Vivescia President Christophe Burin.

According to Vivescia, Malteurop has been operating in China for 30 years and remains the country’s only foreign commercial malt producer. The company plans to use the acquired capacity to serve Chinese brewers and exporters. Production could be expanded in the future through additional investment.

The plant uses biomass and green electricity, in line with its production decarbonization strategy. The acquisition also aligns with VIVESCIA 3.0, a strategy focused on developing a competitive and sustainable business in China, Asia and other export markets.

Tags: China, France, malting, Malteurop